Presidential Inauguration Suspended as President Collapses During Swearing-In-Ceremony.
By Caroline Ameh
Liberia’s highly anticipated presidential inauguration took an unexpected turn as President Joseph Boakai, 79, fell ill during his swearing-in ceremony. The incident unfolded when Boakai, after taking the oath of office, displayed signs of being uncoordinated and eventually stuttered to a halt mid-way through his acceptance speech.
Amid the hot and humid conditions, witnessed by attendees fanning themselves, State Television broadcast the unceremonious end to the event. Security details assisted Boakai off the podium, removing his traditional cap, and providing aid as he was escorted out.
Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, Liberia’s outgoing President George Weah, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.
The fate of Boakai’s attendance at the inaugural ball later in the day remained uncertain. Boakai, a seasoned politician and former Vice President, secured victory in the July 2023 run-off against George Weah with 50.89% of the votes.
The 79-year-old leader now faces the challenge of steering Liberia through a complex socio-economic landscape marked by high youth unemployment, soaring inflation, and a concerning crime rate, notably the issue of drug abuse among unemployed and uneducated youth.
Despite the intended generational transfer of power from the outgoing 57-year-old President Weah, Boakai’s relatively younger Vice President, Jerrnai Koung, aged 45, stands by his side.
